Pumpkin Thinking Putty Activity: Fall in Love with the Science of Autumn

We all fidget, but kids can sometimes be the masters of fidgeting. So, why not give them something to explore with their senses while they listen to their lessons? The Pumpkin Thinking Putty Activity is the perfect fall-themed science activity to add to your homeschool because it helps kids focus when they have something to do with their hands.

Pumpkin Thinking Putty Activity

---

Supplies:

• Bottle of white craft glue
• Two small mixing bowls
• Borax powder
• Water
• Spoon
• Optional items: Food coloring, Spices, and Sparkles

---

Instructions:

1. Place a small amount of glue in one bowl,
2. Then, use water to dilute it (use about a third of the amount of glue used). For example, 1 cup of glue would warrant 1/3 cup of water.
3. Stir
4. Next, mix in any color, scent, or sparkles you’d like.
5. In the second bowl, add a heaping spoonful of Borax. Add a small amount of water—it’s okay if some extra Borax doesn’t dissolve.
6. Next, tilt the bowl with the borax solution to keep the undissolved crystals at the bottom.
7. Add the Borax liquid to the glue mixture one spoonful at a time and stir. You will see it thicken with each spoonful. When you get the consistency you like, stop (usually 2-3 spoonfuls).
8. Finally, enjoy playing with the thinking putty.

Warning: Keep it away from small children, pets, carpets, etc.

Note: Be sure to store your putty in an airtight container to keep it soft.

---

Learn:

Now that you’ve made and played with your Pumpkin Thinking Putty, you may notice that putty has some unique qualities. It is considered a solid because you can pick it up and play with it, but it also has the qualities of a liquid because it will conform to the shape of its container. But how can it be both? The answer has to do with polymer science. Polymers are simply multiple (from the Greek word poly, which means many) repeating units (monomers) that form a larger whole unit – a polymer. Because polymers are long chain molecules, they can bend and twist in various ways, giving them a lot of flexibility. The final product can be lighter, long-lasting, and easier to form into shapes depending on the materials used to create the polymer.

Download this engaging fall-themed ebook packed with fall fun and hands-on science activities.

Your student will:

• Learn the science behind changing leaves with the Hidden Colors Activity
• Explore the immune system by examining apples
• Discover atoms and sub-atomic particles with the Swirling Fall Leaves Activity
• Make crystals
• Go on an Autumn Scavenger Hunt
• Play a Fall Bingo challenge
• Complete a Fall Wordsearch

Download the “Fall in Love with the Science of Autumn” eBook